Collins Wrapped In Shanahan Bale’s Chances At Ballarat

Written By Kevin Pitstock, Editor & Australian Greyhound Racing Expert Contributor Tuesday 7th October 2008

“He’s a big gangly dog, but he’s got loads of ability.” That’s the assessment of Lake Goldsmith trainer Steve Collins about his chaser Shanahan Bale who will contest the Flying Horse Tabaret Grade 5 Final at Ballarat on Wednesday night.

At 36 kilo’s, and three wins from four race starts, his assessment could not be closer to the mark.

Shanahan Bale is the youngest dog to make it through to the final, but he is obviously a dog with above average ability.

The son of Go Wild Teddy was an impressive four length winner in his heat last week, but will have to overcome an awkward Box 5 draw in the final.

“We would have preferred an outside draw as he likes to settle once he exit’s the boxes.” Collins said.

“But if he can get a clear run in the race he should give a good account of himself.” he said.

Hardest to beat in an open race will be Nitro Burst and Captain Hastings.

Nitro Burst is from the strong Jason Thompson kennel, and is the pre post favorite for the race following his “best of the night” run in last weeks heat.

In that race he blew away the opposition to record a 5.25 length win, in a time of 25.31 seconds for the 450 metres.

Nitro Burst is by local sire Bombastic Shiraz and has won his only two starts at the track and distance, and will jump from a suitable Box 2 draw.

Captain Hastings will be one at odd’s to put into the multiples.

The son of Where’s Pedro has notched up three wins from his eight race starts, and last week came home hard to overrun Run Jake Run in the straight by three quarters of a length.

Trained at Tarneit by John Galea, Captain Hastings will jump from outside Shanahan Bale in Box 6.

Flying Horse Tabaret Grade 5 Final Preview

1-Bamboo Assassin
Trainer: J. Fowler, Drysdale
Scored a solid all the way win last week from Box 3. Has claims from this draw.
2-Nitro Burst
Trainer: J. Thompson, Pearcedale
Was a smart 25.31 heat winner last week. Has won his only two race starts at the track and distance. Definite chance.
3-Tunza Pace
Trainer: R. Clark, Tooleen
Has pace from the boxes and led last week. Has won four of his ten wins from this box draw. Would not surprise.
4-Eily McMahon
Trainer: M. Vaughan, Newcomb
Awkwardly drawn and will need some luck in running. Three of her four race wins have been at this track and distance.
5-Shanahan Bale
Trainer: S. Collins, Lake Goldsmith
Young dog with a load of ability. Awkwardly drawn but was an impressive heat winner last week. Chance to make it four wins from five race starts.
6-Captain Hastings
Trainer: J. Galea, Tarneit
Has only had eight race starts for three wins. Has ability and was a good run last week when he charged home over the top of Run Jake Run. Keep safe.
7-Run Jake Run
Trainer: R.Britton, Lara
Led last week only to be run down by Captain Hastings in the straight. Has won 19 of 47 race starts but has not won from this box draw.
8-Lebron
Trainer: D. Burnett, Drysdale
Ran the quickest first split time last week. Pacy type who will be hard to catch if he is able to lead.

Reserves :

9-Purple Range
Trainer: G. Rounds, Tooradin
Charged home late last week to just to fail to catch Bamboo Assassin on the line. Will be a chance if he gets a run.
10-Long Point
Trainer: R. Britton, Lara
Second to Lebron last week. Would need to draw well to have a chance.